ALTUM®: Advanced Delivery of GHK Peptide — Scientific Evidence & Comparative Studies

Why Delivery Matters

GHK (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine) is a well-characterized signaling peptide known to stimulate Type I collagen synthesis and dermal remodeling. Its biological activity, however, depends entirely on reaching target dermal fibroblasts. Due to its hydrophilic nature and rapid surface loss, topically applied GHK is largely blocked by the stratum corneum barrier, failing to reach the dermis in effective quantities. ALTUM® is engineered to ensure GHK is properly delivered across this barrier and released within the target tissue.  This is achieved through four sequential mechanisms.

• Conjugation GHK is covalently bound via a disulfide (S–S) bond to fine, needle-shaped spicules derived from the freshwater sponge Spongilla fragilis.
  

• Penetration

  The needle-shaped spicule structures mechanically bypass the stratum corneum, creating temporary channels through the skin's primary barrier.
  

• Stability

  The covalent disulfide bond maintains structural integrity during penetration, preventing premature degradation or peptide loss at the skin surface.
  

• Release

  Upon reaching the viable tissue, the bond is selectively cleaved by endogenous glutathione (GSH) naturally present in the skin, releasing active GHK at the exact target location (glutathione-responsive release).
  

Scientific Evidence: Three Independent Validation Studies

The following three independent studies, conducted by different institutions using different skin models and measurement methods, each tested whether this conjugation actually improves GHK delivery into the skin. Evidence 1 — Topical GHK vs. ALTUM® Peptide

This study compares topical GHK application with ALTUM® (GHK chemically bound to spicules) to measure the difference in skin absorption.

• Model : Ex vivo porcine skin (Micropig skin)

• Group compared : FITC-labeled ALTUM®-Tripeptide (conjugated) vs. FITC-labeled Tripeptide (free GHK)

• Measurement : Tissue fluorescence retention (RFU) at 0h and 4h (N=3)

KEY RESULT At 4 hours, ALTUM® achieved 60.78× higher skin absorption than topical GHK. *Source: Korea Institute of Dermatological Sciences (KIDS), 2021 — cosmetic labeling/advertising substantiation guideline

Evidence 2 — Conventional Delivery Methods vs. ALTUM® Peptide

This study compares ALTUM® against the physical delivery methods most commonly used in current aesthetic practice, including microneedling (MTS)

• Model : Ex vivo porcine skin, Franz Diffusion Cell

• Group compared : GHK alone / GHK + spicule mixture / GHK-impregnated spicule / GHK + MTS (microneedle roller) / ALTUM peptide

• Measurement : Fluorescence intensity in epidermis & dermis at 30 / 60 / 90 min

KEY RESULT   At 90 minutes, ALTUM® achieved over 2× higher total skin penetration than MTS microneedling, the leading conventional delivery method used in current practice (p<0.05). *Source: Korea Biomedical Research Institute (KBI), 2025 — conducted under GCP / MFDS / PCPC guidelines

Evidence 3 — Peer-Reviewed Proof: Dermal Penetration & Collagen Activation

This peer-reviewed study evaluated whether ALTUM®'s conjugation improves GHK delivery into the skin as part of a broader investigation into its collagen-stimulating effect.

• Model : 3D bioprinted artificial human skin (human fibroblasts + keratinocytes)

• Group compared : GHK alone / spicule + GHK physical mixture / ALTUM® (covalent conjugation)

• Measurement : GHK content by skin layer (UV-Vis, 220nm), tracked over 60 hours

• Follow-up assay: Collagen expression in human dermal fibroblasts (HFF-1), comparing vehicle, ascorbic acid, and ALTUM®
  

  

  
  

  

  KEY RESULT   ALTUM® delivered more GHK deeper into the skin than either GHK alone or a physical spicule mixture (9.72 ng/cm² vs. 1.90 ng/cm²). This delivery translated into a stronger biological effect: ALTUM® increased Type I collagen expression to a level comparable with ascorbic acid, a proven collagen stimulator. Delivery and collagen response tracked together across the same model, with higher GHK delivery corresponding to a stronger collagen effect. *Micromachines (MDPI), 2026, 17, 750 — peer-reviewed; Yonsei University research team Conclusion

  Three independent studies conclusively confirm that ALTUM® is an advanced transdermal delivery platform:
  

  • 60.78× higher skin absorption than topical application (KIDS, 2021)

  • Over 2× higher skin delivery than conventional delivery method (MTS microneedling) (KBI, 2025)

  • Deep delivery resulting in a corresponding increase in Type I collagen response (MDPI Micromachines, 2026)